This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake offers a warm, comforting meal perfect for any family dinner. Combining savory ground beef and tender broccoli with a rich, flavorful sauce and a golden melted cheese topping, it’s an inviting casserole that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Easy to prepare and packed with nourishing ingredients, this bake balances protein, greens, and carbs all in one dish, making it a convenient and delicious one-pan dinner option for busy weeknights or casual weekends.
- Hearty and family-friendly with a well-balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs.
- Simple to make with accessible ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Cheesy, golden topping adds a comforting finish everyone will crave.
- Customizable with different veggies, cheeses, or grains for variety.
- Perfect for meal prep, storing well and reheating without losing flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (500 g / 1 lb): Lean beef providing rich protein and a savory base for the casserole’s hearty flavor.
- Medium Onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened during cooking.
- Garlic Cloves (2–3), minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency and warmth.
- Broccoli Florets (4 cups, fresh or thawed frozen): Tender green vegetables adding color, texture, and nutrients.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance the flavors of all ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon, optional): Herb blend that adds subtle Mediterranean notes for extra aroma.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, about 400 g / 14 oz, drained): Provides tangy moisture and a touch of natural sweetness to the sauce.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Enriches the sauce with savory flavor and brothiness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami depth and a complex, slightly tangy taste.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts savory umami and enriches the overall palate.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon, optional): Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce texture.
- Cooked Rice or Pasta (2 cups): Serves as a starchy base to absorb flavors and bulk up the casserole.
- Shredded Cheese (1.5–2 cups, cheddar, mozzarella, or blend): Melts to form a golden, bubbly top layer adding creaminess and richness.
- Chopped Parsley (optional garnish): Fresh herb to brighten appearance and add a hint of herbal freshness.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
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Set your oven to 190 °C (375 °F) to prepare it for baking the casserole. Preheating ensures even cooking and perfectly melted cheese topping.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside finely chopped onion until beef is browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. Browning the meat develops deep, savory flavors while softening onions adds sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings
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Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Cook for another minute to release the garlic’s aroma and infuse the meat mixture with herbaceous notes.
- Incorporate Sauce Ingredients and Broccoli
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Add drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and optional tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender. This step melds all flavors and softens the broccoli to a perfect texture.
- Mix with Cooked Rice or Pasta
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Transfer the beef and broccoli mixture to a large bowl and fold in the cooked rice or pasta. Mixing ensures every bite is coated with the flavorful sauce and vegetables for a cohesive, hearty casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole and Add Cheese
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Spread the combined mixture evenly in a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top, which will melt into a golden, bubbly crust during baking. This cheesy layer adds creamy texture and visual appeal.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The cheese should melt completely and become golden brown. This final bake melds flavors and offers a warm, comforting finish.
- Serve Warm, Garnished
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Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh, vibrant touch and balance the rich flavors.
- Use fresh or previously frozen broccoli that has been thawed for best texture and flavor.
- Draining diced tomatoes ensures the sauce doesn’t become too watery.
- If you prefer, swap pasta for rice or vice versa depending on your pantry.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety and nutrition.
Storage Tips
This casserole stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bake with a fresh green salad or crunchy garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple side of steamed vegetables also complements the rich flavors perfectly.
- Mix cheddar and mozzarella together for a perfect balance of melting quality and sharp taste.
- Brown the beef well to develop richer flavor before adding sauces.
- Use low-sodium soy and Worcestershire sauces to better control saltiness.
- To boost moisture without watering down, reserve some beef broth to add if needed before baking.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
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Yes, ground turkey works well for a leaner option; just brown it thoroughly for the best texture and flavor.
- Is it necessary to cook the rice or pasta beforehand?
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Yes, using pre-cooked rice or pasta ensures everything heats evenly and the grains/pasta absorb the sauce properly.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
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Yes, freeze before baking in a suitable container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
- What cheese combinations work best?
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A blend of cheddar (for flavor) and mozzarella (for meltiness) is ideal, but feel free to use your favorites.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
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Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Can I add more vegetables?
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Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms are excellent additions that enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Do I have to drain the diced tomatoes?
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Yes, draining prevents excess liquid which could make the casserole too watery during baking.
Ground Beef Broccoli Bake
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups fresh or thawed broccoli florets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste optional
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta
- 1.5 to 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
- Chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender.
- Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using; cook for another minute.
- Stir in drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is just tender.
- Combine the beef and broccoli mixture with cooked rice or pasta in a large bowl; mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and evenly sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Add vegetables like carrots, peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use a cheddar-mozzarella blend for best melting and flavor.
- For an Asian twist, add more soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
- Store leftovers up to 4 days; reheat in oven or microwave.
